Posted on by Karen

Deep Calls Unto Deep

{Bible Journal, Jan. 28, 2026}

Lord, The Deep of Genesis 1:2 keeps calling me. I wish to understand all I can of Your creation in verse 2. Then there is the psalmist’ prayers to You mentioning, Deep Calls Unto Deep. Is that one and the same?

In Psalm 42, he prays, As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God…O my God, my soul is cast down within me, Therefore, I will remember You…Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls, All Your waves and billows have gone over me. Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are You disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God (Psalm 42:1-2a, 6a, 7, 11).

In crying out to You in heartbreak, the psalmist is seeking You, searching for You, and finding hope in You.

In his anxiety, what exactly does the psalmist mean by, “Deep calls unto deep…?” What is the comparison, metaphorically? Poetically, he seems to be comparing the deep to his feelings of helplessness. For us, the deep (the deepest depths of the waters) is frightening as we cannot survive in the depths of the sea. But for You, Lord, it is not.

The Deep remains a mystery in so many ways and my studies are certainly flawed. Someday all will be revealed. But what insight have You already revealed in Your Word concerning The Deep?

Lord, whether this has any correlation, I do not know, but the psalmist’s descriptive words of, “Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls” (Psalm 42:7), gives me pause to consider whether this is a metaphor to the actual deep of Genesis 1:2?

DEEP TO DEEP | SEPARATION OF WATERS

Darkness was on the face of the deep (tehôm). And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters (Gen. 1:2a).

With tehôm meaning an abyss, a surging mass of water, the Spirit of God seems to be hovering over this watery abyss, The Deep.

Then God said, Let there be a firmament (râqîya) in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven (šâmayim). So the evening and the morning were the second day (Gen. 1:6-8).

Here, Genesis describes a division of waters from waters, with waters above the firmament and waters below the firmament. Does this have any connection with the metaphor when deep calls unto deep? Do these separated waters represent two deeps?

The firmament separating the waters; or Râqîya for firmament, refers to an expanse, the sky. You named this expanse, Heaven (šâmayim), understood to allude to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve. This makes sense, since “The heavens (šâmayim) declare the glory of God and the firmament (râqîya) shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).

I am intrigued by the point of view of the Institute of Creation Research, that,

God separated the primeval deep into two deeps with great space between. The waters below the deep retained the elemental earth materials to be utilized to create land. The waters above apparently transformed into a vapor state in order to be separated from the heaven materials and elevated above the atmosphere, like a vapor canopy, invisible allowing the stars to be seen through it (ICR.org).

In this way, the deep, that is easier to understand, would be the water below the firmament (sky) that remained in liquid form with the earth materials suspended within, from which came the land and seas (one deep). “Then God said, ‘Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters, He called Seas. And God saw that it was good (Genesis 9-10).

Then the deep, that is more difficult to understand, would be the waters above the firmament (sky) that may have been transformed into a different state of water or vapor, from which may have come the great vast outer space and galaxies (second deep).

It is awe inspiring to contemplate. As the psalmist says, “How awesome are Your works, Through the greatness of Your power…” (Psalm 66:3). And David’s psalm, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4).

How I would love to know so much more, but You have revealed what You have revealed. As we learn from Daniel, it is You who reveals the deep and hidden things (Daniel 2:22).

One thing I know, Lord Jesus, You were there. The Apostle John described that, You were “in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him [You], and without Him [You] nothing was made that was made” (John 1:1-18). You did many things, “which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25).

The Deep seems to be one of those things for which we have limited knowledge. Thank you though for this time of meditating on how wonderful Your Creation is as well as the all mysterious Deep.

I am mindful of how You chose to create this world in Your sovereignty, in a step-by-step process, a true example of the creativity that You also designed within us. Lord, help me to tap into that creative potential where producing brings so much more satisfaction than consuming.

The more I contemplate Your greatness, the more I am so thankful that You are mindful of us.

Posted on by Karen

Reflections on Light, Darkness, and The Deep

{Bible Journal, Jan. 25, 2026}
MY REFLECTIONS ON LIGHT, DARKNESS, AND THE DEEP | Reference: THE POTTER AND THE CLAY; {BIBLE JOURNAL, JAN. 17, 2026}

The heavens and the earth were created (bara in Hebrew) by You. Bara—meaning “created from nothing, absolute initiation” (Genesis 1:1). Lord, in You, our world was brought forth from nothing.

THE DEEP

As the entirety of the heavens and the earth were created out of nothing, the waters—the deep (tehom)—would have been part of Your divine process. Tehom —meaning “a surging mass of water,” an abyss. To begin Creation, You brought forth from nothing a vast, surging expanse of water, which You called The Deep (Genesis 1:2).

If you had chosen to create all things in their final form, You would have done so. But in Your sovereignty, You chose to start with an ex nihilo watery abyss.

The earth was formless and void (Genesis 1:2a). With only a watery abyss, the unformed and empty materials of the earth were likely suspended within that surging mass of water—by Your design, by Your choice.

LIGHT AND DARKNESS

Darkness was on the face of the deep (Genesis 1:2b). You have been light from eternity past and there is no darkness in You (1 John 1:5). You formed the light, but You created (bara) the darkness out of nothing (Isaiah 45:7). Although light has always been, for You are light, You formed the light of Creation, but You created the darkness, and at the beginning darkness, was on the face of the deep.

As the Master Potter, I believe You created The Deep, You created the darkness, and You formed the light of Creation.

Posted on by Karen

Learning from the Past to Shape Tomorrow

Looking to the past to contend with problems of today is a philosophy that is increasingly gaining momentum in my life. This is nothing new, however. The whole modern homestead movement, whether you live in an apartment or choose sprawling acreage in the middle of nowhere, seems to be fueled by this idea.

We certainly saw the weaknesses of our supply chains during Covid. Previously, obtaining our groceries was not much of a thought for most of us. But within weeks food security was front and center.

My defining moment—my paradigm shift—occurred as a result of a couple of experiences at a major warehouse grocery chain. While checking out, a clerk made the decision to remove meat from my cart without any explanation whatsoever. The next month, the slight was repeated by another clerk. This was not an issue of hoarding. There were just two packages of the same meat in my cart.

I could not get over the fact that a clerk was making the decision on what I could buy. The idea was troubling. What I was allowed to purchase seemed to be based on the subjective opinion of an employee, not a posted store policy,

My irritation took me awhile to process. However, over time my frustration changed into something constructive—a growing interest in food security, and reducing my reliance on the need for instant access to groceries. This wasn’t about adopting a “prepper” mentality, but rather about becoming more intentional in gathering and storing ingredients for the long term—much like kitchens did in days gone by. In this way, my urgency to buy groceries on demand is gradually being replaced by a sense of self-sufficiency.

An ingredient household, however, requires cooking from scratch. With freshly baked bread and the aroma of spices in the air, my journey toward food security has truly began. My kitchen has is the heart of it all.

Posted on by Karen

In the beginning, Elohim

{Bible Journal, Jan. 19, 2026}

In the beginning, God (Elohim)…

I have learned more about the beginning in understanding the Hebrew word used for God in the Biblical original text as Elohim (plural).

You are Elohim, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, but still one, united in all things. I know You have always been. You have been since eternity past and You will be to eternity future.

The world tries to imagine how it all began for this world, but You were there.

  • In the beginning, “Elohim” created…(Genesis 1:1).
  • …And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters (Genesis 1:2).
  • In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made (John 1:1-3).

I was well into my life journey, before these verses concerning the Word with Creation resonated. That You, the Word, made all things and then You entered into creation itself on our behalf.

In You (the Word) was life and the light of men. You were in the world, the world was made through You, but the world did not know You. You became flesh and dwelt among mankind, who beheld Your glory, “as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth…For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:4, 10, 14, 17).

Jesus, You as the Son of God, made all things and then entered into time and Your creation for us. Though many did and have not received or acknowledged You, Your promise remains.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name…(John 1:12).

We can only discover what You have revealed. This side of Heaven, we’ll never understand it all. But someday, the movie version of everything that happened in Genesis 1, will be known. For now, I am thankful for all that You have revealed.

Lord, I pray that through You, that I may grow in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of what awaits our discovery in the here and now. Each new truth discovered is a blessing indeed. 🙏

Posted on by Karen

Sanctity of Life Sunday

O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and rising up; You understand my thought afar off…

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works. And that my soul knows very well.

My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they are all written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!…

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked thing in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:1-2, 13-17, 23-24

My Child Within

Dearest Child of Mine,

They say you’re not “you” but “me”; a part of “my” body that I can do with as I please. But are “you” really “me?”

Although I can freely move my arms and legs at will, I simply cannot move yours. Your kick within always takes me by surprise. I easily turn my body, but you are the one that turns yours. Yes, I control my motor skills, but yours I cannot. Are you really me?

You and I have unique genetic DNA with yours being very different than mine. The map that created you is not the same map that created me. Are you really me?

Or am I your nurturer from the day of your conception until you come of age?

Dearest Child of Mine, I promise that while you remain within me that I will give you oxygen for life. Then once we are face to face, I will ensure the air you breathe is good. As best I can, I will protect you from harm from this day forward. I will eat well while you remain within to ensure you get all the vitamins and nutrients you need to grow. Once you are born, I will feed you only the best.

My womb is your cradle where I will speak and sing to you often. Then one day soon, I will cradle you in my arms.

One thing is certain, either way, you will be held close to my heart. Love, Mom

—Karen, 1996

Posted on by Karen

Time Thief

The other day, I was surprised to read someone referring to another as a “timethief,” simply because she didn’t answer a question as they wanted. Although not condoning—true confessions, at first, I laughed out loud with the word being used in relation to a platform technical question, of all things. Initially, I thought she was a moderator, still not appropriate. However, as it turns out, she was just a member, who took her time to try to answer the question.

She was truly gracious. Instead of returning the insult, she calmly said she was explaining what “could” be done. It’s not like she wasn’t knowledgable. However, the asker, still in the mood to sling, came back in a passive/aggressive manner with, “Timethief”…maybe I should have explained better…ending with a smiley face.

Kudos to her for taking the high road. These are the ones who keep humanity sane.

Posted on by Karen

The Potter and the Clay

{Bible Journal, Jan. 17, 2026}

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep…(Genesis 1:1-2).

Lord, these words seem so simple, yet grasping their deeper meaning is another matter entirely. I’ve read, that in Hebrew storytelling form, the first verse is the summary, In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth., and the rest of chapter 1 is the step-by-step process.

In that process, You created in six days and rested on the seventh. You lovingly led by example, and in this provided us with the example of a work week. We may need to rest but You certainly did not.

There was light from eternity past, for You are light and in You is no darkness (1 John 1:5). You form the light and created darkness (Isaiah 45:7).

But what of “the deep?” I understand it is tehom in Hebrew, apparently referencing an abyss, a surging mass of water, possibly the main sea or subterranean water supply. The deep is also mentioned in the flood, when the fountains of the great deep burst forth (Genesis 7:11).

Answers in Genesis described that the earth had no structure yet at this time. The Institute of Creation, described, “the earth material was suspended in a matrix of water (the deep), including the water itself and the earth material.”

This brings to my mind the potter and the clay. I’ve seen demonstrated the amazing craftsmanship of an excellent potter. But the potter needs to start with the clay.

But You created (bara in Hebrew) the deep from nothing. I see the deep (tehom), as Your clay. You are the Master Potter, and You created the deep, Your clay, ex nihilo (out of nothing).

Posted on by Karen

Life’s Never Ending Progress Reports

Well, I thought I was done with report cards when I finished schooling, but now, the ever present monthly gas energy report. It’s never good. Well, it could be good, maybe if we were gone all day.

I do believe in being a good steward of our resources. We did go solar for electricity, but that was more about our state’s electrical energy going through the roof and just trying to control costs over the long haul.

For gas, I’m just not sure who I’m being compared to. There should be a rating for those who are home and those who are gone most of the day. Maybe I’d rate more than a middle to low C, when there is no D or F rating. Yes, it’s true. I have a “fair” rating, which appears to be the bottom of their rating system.

But I do have a plan. (1) Learn how to make a fire without the use of gas, (2) a wood burning stove, and (3) oil lamps. I do love mood lighting.

I remain convinced that the answer to the modern day issues is to go back in time. However, I know there are problems with my solution as well, since apparently we’re not supposed to burn wood either. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Posted on by Karen

Light & Darkness in Time

{Bible Journal, Jan. 16, 2026}

My greatest fascination since the year’s opening has been light. When thinking of the beginning of the world, we think that darkness always was and You “created” light. In my studies, Isaiah 45:7, has changed my perspective entirely. Your Word states in Isaiah 45:7a,

“I form the light and create darkness…”

That completely makes sense. You are light, and in You is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). You are the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). So, You are light from eternity past. It was the darkness You created.

Posted on by Karen

Turned Nature Lover

The best thing about finding my way back to WordPress is the beautiful nature and wildlife pictures of those I follow. There is no social media that I’ve found that compares, in my most humble opinion.

I don’t know that if I hadn’t had the experience of viewing such wonderful wildlife on this site, that AI generated nature images on social media would have been as painful to view as they have been. I’m grateful to return.

From the photos I’ve viewed here, it has caused me to see and appreciate so much more of the wildlife in my own backyard. Of course, with my fancy phone I cannot get anything close to the great shots that are splashed throughout WordPress. But I snap a shot here and there every once in awhile just to remind myself of what my eyes recently saw so much more clearly. Although this shot seems so far away, it wasn’t in person. Of course, I do not know what kind of bird is in this photo, but I certainly enjoyed the sighting, and have you all to thank for it.